Unfortunatley what the vet says really does not mean much. Most vets although qualified to treat reptiles, do not know anywhere near what they need to know when it comes to turtles especially. It sounds like you have a male definitley. Males have BRIGHT red eyes and are much more colorful than females. The shell color means nothing. Males also tend to have a concave plastron and females are completely flat. Without pictures this is going to be hard to do. Where exactly are you located? They still may be wild turtles. Many species of turtles are known to travel great distances in search of food and/or mates or for new land if their original habitat has been destroyed.

Male turtles/tortoises are known for revealing their penis and then pulling it back in. This happens all the time especially in water and when being picked up. Also if the turtle is young, between 3 and 8 years old, it may not be showing the typical color characteristics of an adult male for a few more years still.

I had an egyptian tortoise show it's penis constantly for 2 years, but it did not look like a male until it was almost 5 years old.

If you do find a way to post pics of it I can tell you what it is RIGHT AWAY.

-Chris

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